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Breast Cancer Awareness Month: What Women Should Know
Breast Cancer Awareness Month can bring up different feelings for different women.
You may think about someone you know who has had breast cancer. You may be going through treatment or living life after breast cancer yourself or this month may bring up a question that's hard to ignore, “Could I be next?”
This month, we want to focus on information women can actually use, including breast screening, dense breasts, hormone therapy, and where to find support.
Start With Your Mammogram
There is a lot of conflicting information about mammograms online, especially on social media.
Major medical organizations may have different recommendations about when routine screening should begin and how often women should be screened. Your own screening plan should also take into account your age, family history, breast density, and other risk factors.
One question we want more women to ask after a mammogram is “Do I have dense breasts?”
Dense breast tissue can make it harder to see cancer on a mammogram. Depending on your breast density and other risk factors, your healthcare provider may recommend additional imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI.
According to a 2026 study published in JAMA Network Open looked at 12.6 million women who had screening mammograms. Researchers found that laws requiring women to be notified about dense breasts were associated with more follow-up ultrasounds. The increase was greater in states that also required insurance coverage for supplemental ultrasound.
The study also found that only 9% of women received an ultrasound and 0.6% received an MRI within six months of their mammogram.
Knowing that you have dense breasts is useful information. Knowing what to ask next matters too.
What Women in Chicagoland Should Know
Illinois has specific protections for breast screening.
Under current Illinois law, applicable health insurance policies include comprehensive breast ultrasound when a mammogram shows heterogeneous or dense breast tissue or when the imaging is considered medically necessary by a qualified healthcare provider.
For applicable policies issued or renewed beginning January 1st, 2026, Illinois law also includes breast MRI and molecular breast imaging when a mammogram shows heterogeneous or dense breast tissue or when medically necessary. Coverage details and exceptions can depend on the type of health plan.
If you've been told you have dense breasts, here are a few questions you can bring to your next appointment:
Do I need additional screening?
Would an ultrasound or MRI be appropriate for me?
Does my personal or family history change what screening I should have?
How often should I be screened?
Before scheduling additional imaging, call your insurance company and ask what your specific plan covers and whether you'll have any out-of-pocket costs.
What About Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer?
Hormone therapy is another topic that can bring up a lot of questions, especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
If breast cancer runs in your family, you may wonder whether hormone therapy is an option for you.
If you've had breast cancer yourself, you may have questions about managing menopause symptoms after treatment.
Your personal history, family history, symptoms, medications, type of breast cancer, and other health factors need to be part of the discussion. If you have a history of breast cancer, decisions about hormone therapy and treatments for menopause symptoms should involve the healthcare professionals managing your care.
Sexual health needs to be part of that discussion too. Vaginal dryness, pain with sex, and urinary symptoms can affect women during and after breast cancer treatment. These symptoms can have a real effect on everyday life and relationships. Women should feel comfortable bringing them up and asking what treatment options may be appropriate for them.
Supporting a Woman With Breast Cancer
Some women are going through treatment right now. Others are adjusting to life after treatment. Many of us have a friend, relative, coworker, or neighbor who has been affected by breast cancer.
Sometimes support is practical. Drive her to an appointment. Bring dinner. Take notes during a doctor's visit. Help with childcare. Check in without expecting a response.
There are also organizations that can help women and their families find support beyond their immediate circle.
One resource we want women in the Chicago area to know about is Sharsheret.
Sharsheret is a national nonprofit supporting women and families facing breast and ovarian cancer, with programs and outreach available to women in Illinois. The organization offers one-on-one support, peer connections, genetic counseling resources, support for women living with metastatic breast cancer, survivorship resources, and help for family members and caregivers.
A Few Questions to Ask Yourself:
When was your last mammogram?
Do you know your breast density?
Do you know your family's history of breast and ovarian cancer?
If you've had breast cancer, have you been able to talk with your healthcare team about menopause and sexual health?
You don't need to have all of the answers. But knowing what questions to ask can help you get the information you need.
We're Continuing This Conversation on October 24th
Breast health and menopause will also be part of the conversation at the Chicago Menopause Collective retreat on October 24th.
One of our discussions, Hormones and Breast Cancer will focus on what research tells us about hormone therapy and breast cancer risk.
We'll talk about the questions women may have when there is a personal or family history of breast cancer, as well as vaginal estrogen and sexual health after breast cancer.
We will also include conversations about heart health, metabolic health, and other issues that come up during perimenopause and menopause. Attendees can also visit our Menopause Marketplace Expo, featuring vetted products, services, and resources for women in midlife.
If breast cancer or menopause has left you with questions, bring them with you.
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Sources & Resources
Dense breast research: Kang DW, et al. Dense Breast Legislation and Supplemental Breast Imaging Among Women Undergoing Mammography. JAMA Network Open, July 2026.
Illinois breast screening coverage: Illinois General Assembly. Current Illinois statutes include provisions for supplemental breast imaging for women with dense breasts and other qualifying circumstances.
Breast cancer support: Sharsheret provides support and resources for women and families affected by breast and ovarian cancer.
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